Wire-spinning machine



AJuly 13, 1921?.r 1,592,140

C. HORTON ET AL WIRE SPINNING MACHINE Filed August 22. 1924 INVENTORv i* m. 4U CHHRLEQHORTON TTORNEY Patented July 13, 1926.

, UNITED. STATES PATENT OFFICE.

` CHARLES HORTON', 0F RIDGEFIELD PARK, NEW JERSEY, AN D ROBERTO n M. Praxa,

F SAO PAULO, SAID HORTON ASSIGNOR T0 SAID PEAKE.

. WIRE-SPINNING MACHINE.

Application filed August 22, 1924. Serial No. 733;523.

This invention relates to improvements in\ metal wire spinning machines, more particularly to machines operable by the centrifugal force developed therein, to cause an extrusion of a molten metal such as copper Aor aluminum in the form of streams or wire threads.

Heretofore it has been the practice in producing metallic pipe or wire of small thickness, to hammer or draw a softened billet of metal in or through a series of holes gradually diminishing in size, until the required diameter is attained, which process by its nature is slow, cumbersome, repetitious, and consequently highly expensive. For tubular wires, it has been common heretofore to extrude molten metal through dies by means of pressure applied directly on the metal, but such process was costly due to high replacement costs of the dies'and to the inability to produce a dense and fine grained product.

To avoid these difficulties, a new method and machine for forming wire or pipes of narrow gauge, the subject matter of this invention, has been developed, wherein the pressure induced by a centrifugal force is transmitted directly to the mass of molten metal, which metal is ur red in continuous threads and at high spee s through nozzles or extrusion dies of heat resistant material and ofl varying shape by means of this centrifugal force. The threads are subsequently slowly cooled by fluid means at a lower temperature than that of the molten metal, whereby a well annealed wire without the detrimental chilled spots is produced.

Among the objects of the present invention, it is contemplated to produce a wire by centrifugal pressure, to provide means for extruding the Wire from molten metal at a high rate of speed, to produce a fine grained and dense wire of extremely high malleability and ductility coeilicients, and to provide fluid cooling means for receiving and distributing the extruded or spun wire.

Specifically it is contemplated to provide a rotary actuated spinning means, operable in the horizontal plane and normally consist- 5 ing of a plurality of simultaneously cooperating outlets.

Further it is contemplated to position the spinning outletS at the outer periphery of the spinning means, whereby to subject the metal passing through' said outlets to a con- 55 Sider-able centrifugal force.-

Still further it is contemplated to provide a plurality of the spinning outlets on the periphery of the spmning means whereby to produce a series of wire strands independently and simultaneousl so 'that strands may be separately woundy on spools, or united into a twisted multi-strand cable.

Still further it is aimed to provide means having cooling fluid therein for receiving the centrifugally extruded threads or wires, this means being so constructed as to rotate independent of but simultaneous with the spinning means, the speed kof rotation of said receiving means being variable and under the control of the operator.

Further it is aimed to provide heat and wearv resistant extrusion dies or .nozzles at the outlet of the spinning means, the said nozzles being constructed of a high melting metal such as tungsten, or a non-melting and heat resistance silica compound such as fused quartz.

Still further it is contemplated to provide a novel method, in the art of hot metal casting for producing wire, either solid, tubular, or in strands, in large quantities at high rate of speed and at greatly decreased cost of production.-

These and other advantages, capabilities, and features of the invention will appear from the subjoined detail description of one specific embodiment therefor illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which- Figure l is a plan view partly in section of the device;

Fig. 2 is a side elevationp-artly in section along the line 2-2 in Fig. l;

Fig. 3 is a detail sectional view of one of the specific forms of extrusion dies applied in the invention; and

Fig. 4 is a plan view of a modification of the spinning or extrusion dies shown in detail in Fig. l.

Referring now 'more particularly tothe reference characters in the drawing, numeral l indicates a base frame upon which the device is supported; within the said base frame 1 there are' formed upper and lower walls 2v and 3 havin therebetween a rectangular opening 4 wit in which there rotates a shaft i. This 'shaft I, which extends vertically upwards is supported in'bearing surfaces 7 and T respectively, formed in the walls 2 and 3 of the base frame. .To rotate Said shal't 5 there is ixedly positioned thereon a sprocket gear 6 rotatable Within the opening et by a.' drive chain, not shown. The upper bearing surface 7 has a vertically extending sleeve 30 in which the shaft 5 rotates.

To thc upper section 5 ot' the shaft 5 there is attached by any well known means such as by bolted flange or by a key, the huh 8 ot' a molten metal receivingfvessel 9, a detail descriptionY ot which will subsequently follow. Directly below said vessel 9 and partially supporting the outer periphery of the hub 8 thereof,V there is positioned an annular support 10, which support is loosely mounted for rotary motion about the sleeve 30. Between the liub 1l. of the annular; support 10 and the upper wall 2 ofthe'base traine 1 there isY positioned a hub l2 of the sprocket gear 13,;which gear is rotated by a chain drive, not shown. This hub 12 is attached to the hub '11 of the support 10 by means of a key 31 so as to transmit the? rotary motion about the shaft 5 ot` the sprocket Ygear 13 to the support 10 without diminution. In this manner there is provided a plurality of independent drives tor the vessel and annular support respectively. n

The vessel 9 consists of a plurality of assembled castings 14 having spinning or extrusion means at the point o union between the respective castings, though it is Within the province ofthe invention disclosed by the applicant to provide a plurality of openings, whether protruding from the periphery of the vessel or integral with the vessel at any desired portion or distance along the outer periphery of the vessel. As shown in Fig. 1, the vessel 9 consists of four castings or sections leleach lined with magnesia or other heat resistant or insulated material 32. and having a heat resistant extruding die oi nozzle 15 at its extremity. The die opening 16 is shown as circular in contigui-ation, but may be square or any other shape corresponding to the type of Wire required. To fasten the die into place, a series of bolts 83 fitting into the respective end portions of the castings 14 are utilized. Though the vessel 9 is shown as being composed ot a plurality of separately formed castings united by bolts 33 or other fastening means, a unitary structure or casting such as shown in Fig. 4 can readily be substituted` and in fact is preferable due to the circular shape of the outer periphery 34 whereby full use is made of the tremendous centrifugal force built up within the mass of molten metal upon the rapid rotation ot' the receiving vessel 9. In the modification however the extrusion die l5, not ShOWH; iS of necessityY inserted in openings 1T along the periphery of thc vessel.

The vessel 9 which is fixed to the shaft 5 by means ot the hub 8 consequently rotates therewith when the said hul.) is actuatcd through the rotation ofY the shafty 5 caused by Ythe actuation of the sprocket gear (3 fixed thereto. Upon the rapid rotation et' the said vessel 9, the tendency of the molten metal which is poured therein is to spread outwardly towards thcI outer periphery of said casing with the result that the metal passes through and is ejected from the openings 1G within the die 14. in the form ot a metal stream or thread. The rate of rotationotl the device. which is about three hundred revolutions per minute of necessity builds up a high Ycentrifugal force with the result that the pressure on the fluid at these openings 1li is very high, so that the material on being extruded is of a very high densityand fine as regards granular structure. lniiorder to prevent any of the' *molten metal from being splashedout or otherwise lost from the vessel, a cover 1S is fastened toor made integral with said vessel casing, a conical vessel opening 19 however beingI left at the central portion of the cover 18, for providing an exposed means for carrying out a continuous feed of molten metal if desired.

In order to prevent nany cooling of the molten metal within the vessel before it is extruded, a series of electrically operable heating coils 2O are arranged in concentricy relation to each other within the vessel, said coils being imbedded within the heat resistant insulation layer 32. Below and surrounding the said vessel 9 there is positioned an annular cooling trough 21 U-shaped in configuration and supported by arms 22 of the support 10. This cooling trough contains a iiuid such as water or oil 35 at a temperature considerably below that of the metal in thc extrusion vessel 9 and sutlicient to cool the extruded tube or wire strand so as to prevent any variation in density. Though a fluid such water or oil is shown, the use of any liquid may be omitted under certain conditions and air or any gaseous fiuid may be used alone or in combination as the cooling medium. The outer edge 23 of the trough is made to extend a considerable distance beyond that of the outer periphery on the extrusion vessel 9 so as to prevent any of the spun wire from flying out into the spacing adjoining the device.

Both the extrusion vessel and the annular trough are rotated. the lirst being directly fixed to the shaft 5 which is rotated by the gear while the trough is supported and rotated with the support 10 which is fixed to and operable with the gear 12. Under the conditions of operation the extrusion vessel 9 is rotated ata Speed considerably ,above that of the coolingy trough 21, it being common to produce a mile of wire per minute at each one of the spinning outlets. Further it is contemplated in this invention to rotate the cooling trough in a direction opposite to that of the extrusion vessel 9 either dui-.ing the spinning operation or the step where the cooled spun wire thread is withdrawn from the cooling trough.

The shape ofthe nozzle or die head 14 or the direction of the same may be varied, in fact it is believed that a downwardly entending opening would be quite as advantageous for producing a wire strand as the horizontally disposed die head 14 as illustrated in the drawings. The die head 14 in this case is formed of tungsten which is heat resistant at the temperature of the molten metal which in this case is copper or aluminum. However the invention is not limited to the use of tungsten or other heat resisting metal, since a nozzle formed of a fused quartz crystal having a bore 1n the center may readily be substituted for the metallic die. In the modification shown in Fig. 3 a quartz nozzle 24 is heldzin position at the opening 26 of the spinning head by means of a screwed coupling 25.

Although the drawings indicate merely a single opening for the production of a solid cylindrical wire it can be readily seen that a die formed either of metal or quartz material having a plurality of fine openings or an opening with a core at the center thereof can be readily applied for the production of tubular material such as small gauge tubular wire or threads. Further only four openings are shown here for the extrusion of the molten metal, but it can be readily seen that a plurality of openings can be formed all along the periphery of the extrusion vessel 9 whereby a series of wires may be extruded at the same time. Further if so desired, the angle of the various extruding dies may be so arranged as to form a strand of Wound wires, as for -eXample a multi-strand wound cable. Since the cooling trough 21 rotates at a different speed and independently of the vessel 9, it can be seen that upon the completion of the extrusion process, rotation in the reverse direction of the trough will provide means for removing the said wires upon a series of spools, not shown.

Following is a detail of the operation of the device. Molten metal such as copper or aluminum is poured into the vessel opening 19 after which a rotary motion is imparted `to the extrusion vessel 9. The intensity of l this motion develops a high centrifugal force which will cause the molten metal to travel in the direction of the outside periphery of this chamber with a very high velocity. Upon being impinged on the outer periphery of said extrusion chamber the molten metal finds ready outlet through the die -head or spinneret 14 through which it passes with exceedingly high speed, about a mile a minute. To prevent any of the metals cooling in the chamber a series of coils concentric to each other and positioned within the insulation located along the interior of the vessel conduct heat from an external source into the molten metal mass. Simultaneously with the rotation of the vessel 9 the cooling trough 21 is rotated however with a speed usually slower so as to allow for a definite tautness being imparted to the extruded materal. Upon the production of a' suiiicient amount of'wire lengths or cable the rot-ation of 'the extrusion vessel is stopped and the direct-ion of motion of the cooling trough 2l is reversed at which time the free ends of the cable formed are attached to spools and wound out of said cooling trough.

The disclosure in the drawings is limited to one form of machine, the type of die head or nozzle, the quality of the same, the specific position can be readily varied without departing from the scope of the disclosure. The method of cooling can be varied in that liquids of different composition may be used, that is oil or water, cr any fluid including air, may be substituted interchangeably one for the other. A

It is obvious that various changes and modifications may he made to the details of construction without departing from the general spirit of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

We claim:

1. In a device of the class described, the combination with `a vessel for receiving molten metal, of a plurality of extrusion dies along the outer periphery thereof, means for urging the metal through said dies under pressure whereby to form a series of wire threads, and means independent of, adjacent and surrounding said vessel for receiving the threads issuing therefrom, saidl receiving means having a Huid therein for gradually cooling the threads.

2. In a deviceof the class described, the combination with a container, for molten metal, of heating means within said container for retaining the metal in molten state, a plurality of openings along the outer periphery of said container, means for urging the metal through said openings undei pressure whereby to forni wire threads, and cooling means adjacent and surrounding said container for solidifying and hardening the threads issuing from the container.

3. In a device for spinning metallic threads, the combination with a vessel for receiving molten metal, of a plurality of openings along the outer periphery thereof, heat resisting extrusion dies adjacent said openings, means for imparting a centrifugal force to the metal Within the chamber whereby to urge the same through the extrusion dies, and cooling means adjacent and surrounding said vessel for receiving the threads issuing therefrom.

4. In a device of the class described.y the combination with a vessel, for receiving molten metal, of refractory lining within said vessel` a plurality of openings along the outer periphery of said vessel, heat resisting extrusion means adjacent said openings, means for urging said molten metal through the dies, and means adjacent and surrounding said vessel for cooling the threads issuing therefrom.

5. In a device of the class described, the combination with a base frame, of a Shaft vertically disposed thereon, a vessel for receiving molten metal and fixed thereto, an annular chamber adjacent and below said vessel, said chamber' being horizontally rotatable on said shaft, means for rotating said chamber, a plurality of openings along the outer periphery of said vessel, means urging the molten metal through the openings therein whereby to form metallic threads, and fluid means in said chamber for cooling the threads issuing therefrom.

6. In a device of the class described, the combination with a vessel for receiving molten metal, of means in said vessel for retaining the metal in a molten state, a plurality of openings along the periphery of said vessel, means for urging the metal through the openings thereof whereby to form metallic threads, a chamber adjacent and surrounding said vessel for receiving the threads issuing therefrom, and a fluid in said chamber for gradually cooling the threads positioned therein.

7. In a device of the class described, the combination with a vessel for receiving molten metal, of means therein for retaining said metal in molten condition, a plurality of extrusion dies in said vessel, means for actuating said vessel whereby to urge the metal through the dies therein, an annular chamber adjacent and surrounding said vessel for receiving the metal stream urged therethrough, and fluid in said chamber for cooling the said metal stream.

8. In a device of the character described, the combination with a vessel for receiving molten metal, of means for rotating said vessel, a plurality of openings at the outer periphery of said vessel, and means independent of, .adjacent and surrounding said vessel for cooling the metal passing through said openings upon the movement of said vessel.

9. In a device of the character described, the combination with a vessel for receiving molten metal, of a plurality of openings along the outer periphery thereof, heating means for maintaining the metal in said vessel in molten'condition, means for rotating Said vessel whereby to urge the metal thereassenso in towards and through the openings, means independent of, adjacent and surrounding said vessel for cooling the metal passing through said openings, and means for rotating the cooling means simultaneously with said vessel.

lt). In a device for spinning metallic threads, the combination with a vessel for receiving molten metal, of a plurality of extrusion dies along the outer periphery thereof, means for rotating the vessel whereby to subject the molten metal in the vessel to a centrifugal force for urging the metal through said dies, and cooling means adjacent and surrounding the said vessel for receiving the extruded threads.

1l. In a device for spinning metallic threads, the combination with' a chamber for receiving molten metal, of means for rotating the chamber in a horizontal plane, whereby to impart a centrifugal force to the con-I tents therein, a plurality of heat resistant extrusion dies along the outer periphery of said chamber for the forced passage therethrough of molten metal upon rotation of the chamber, and means independent of, and surrounding and adjacent the chamber for cooling the extruded metallic thread.

l2. In a device for spinning metallic threads, the combination with a. container for molten metal, of heat resistant extrusion dies at the outer periphery thereof, means for imparting a centrifugal force to the molten metal in the container whereby to force the molten metal in streams through the dies therein, and rotatingmeans adjacent the container for receiving the threads issuing therefrom, said means being rotated independently of the container.

13. In a device of the class described, the combination with a vessel for receiving molten metal, of a plurality of nozzles therein, means for imparting a centrifugal motion to said metal whereby to eject the same through said nozzles in the fomn of thread streams, and fluid means in a container adjacent said vessel for cooling the ejected threads, said container being rotatable independent of the vessel.

14. In a device ofthe class described, the combination with a base frame, of a shaft vertically disposed thereon, a vessel for receiving molten metal and fixed thereto, means for rotating said vessel whereby to impart a centrifugal motion to said metal, openings along the periphery of` said vessel through which the moving 4metal is urged, a rotatable chamber adjacent said vessel for receiving the threads issuing therefrom, and fluid means disposed in said chamber for cooling the threads issuing therefrom.

15. The method of producing fine wire, which consists in rotating a mass of molten metal in a chamber, distributing the same through a plurality of Outlets at the outer pendent of and periphery of said chamber, and cooling the same in a cooling chamber rotating indesimultaneously With said first chamber.

16. The method of producing Wire which consists in subjecting a mass of molten metal in a chamber to centrifugal force, ejecting streams of metal through narrow openings in said chamber and gradually cooling the ejected metal in an independently rotatable chamber containing fluid at a lower temperature then the molten metal.

17. The method of producing Wire which consists in rotating a mass of molten metal at high speedsfin an enclosed chamber, distributing the same through a plurality of extruding dies along the periphery of said chamber, and cooling the resulting threads in a cooling chamber adjacentthe said first chamber.

,18. The method of producing wire which .consists in subjecting a mass of molten metal 1n a chamber to centrifugal force, ejecting `streams of the metal through extrusion dies along the. periphery of said chamber, and gradually cooling the extruded metal stream in a fluid.

19. The method of producing Wire which consists in pouring molten metal into a chamber, heating the metal to keep the samev in molten condition, rotating the chamber,

ejecting streams of metal through the narj CHARLES HORTON. ROBERT() DE M. PEAKE. 

